The Everyday

I'm not EVEN saying that our lives are perfect, problem-free, never argue, always smiling, happily-ever-after, but we certainly are enjoying the everyday. Sometimes, Jeremy has to work late hours in his office or I royally screw up dinner by not cooking the chicken before putting it in the casserole to bake or, heaven forbid, we disagree about something and get into an argument/fight/"discussion"--whatever you choose to call it. Yes, life is happening all around us, and we're praying to stay in tune with God for our daily direction and purpose, and as a part of that, we really are satisfied. I guess I should just speak for myself, me, Courtney, that there will always be changes I want to see happen in myself, bad habits I want to leave behind, or admirable characteristics I find in other people that I want to continue cultivating in my own life, or changes in society or the world, but I mean, all in all, I'm satisfied with the everyday, with our everyday. With working at my computer on and off throughout the day, with splashing around in the pool on hot SC afternoons, with doctor's visits and trips to the library and long lines at Super Wal-Mart. Sometimes I get frustrated with Olivia when we're in one of those impatient Mommy versus strong-willed toddler moments, but I never ever ever would wish for things to be any different than the way that they are--I always dreamed but never was sure I'd have the privilege of staying at home with my children. The fact that it is my reality still blows my mind. Not everyday...it's not like I'm even close to some super-Mom who has it all together, calm, cool, and collected, but if I stop to think about it, and do that "count my blessings" thing, I'm just amazed. So, all that to say, here are some shots of our everyday. Enjoy.

Daddy accompanying Olivia to her 18-month checkup.


Big surprise--we're off the charts for everything--weight, height, head circumference...and oh so healthy!


A mid-afternoon snack--chocolate pudding.


Learning to color at her little table.


Waking up from nap with a little bit of bedhead.


Sitting on the ottoman watching Little Einsteins.


Figuring out building blocks.


Just hanging out while Mommy does the laundry.


And, in addition to all our usual daily fun, we had the most wonderful invitation to join two couples to spend the weekend at the lake, Lake Marion. We had so much fun with the Cannon and Smith families and wish we'd never had to leave. Thanks so much, Reeves, Rebecca and Tallon, for inviting us, and to both families for all the laughs, bloody noses, poopy diapers, good food, heart attacks, tubing injuries, and fun! Some highlights:

Mrs. Aron, Liv, Clara Beth, and Makgill.


Clara Beth beautiful in white.


An evening stroll on the dock with Daddys and kiddos.


Sweet Tallon inspecting some grass.


Jeremy and I quickly found our favorite spot for the weekend--lounging lazily in the hammocks under the shade trees right by the water.


Frisbee lesson for Tal.


Collin grilling some burgers and dogs...deeelicious.


Um, is this child photogenic, or what?!


Makgill took advantage of the hammocks as well.


Daddy and Livvy through the screen porch.


Our wonderful hosts for the weekend!



Although Olivia wasn't so sure about the life jacket at first, she quickly warmed up to being on a boat--by the third or fourth ride, she was officially loving the lake and was completely at home zooming through the water in the boat!


Olivia may have loved it but Tallon is seriously IN LOVE with being on that boat. He would just sit, look around, maybe catch a minute or two of shut eye, wake up again, and never say a word...just chillin' and loving being on the water.


Makgill having fun with the huge beachball/sprinkler.


Olivia not having so much fun with previously mentioned sprinkler.


Olivia's first independently managed popsicle which now, by the way, she feels should be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner...she woke up this morning, now that we're back at home and promptly requested a "sicle...pees." (That's Olivian for popsicle please).


Midway through this process.


All done--notice belly stripes.


Olivia--completely tuckered out--what a fun, fun way to spend a weekend.